Travellers set up camp on Bedford bypass just months after it opens

Travellers have set up camp on the new northern section of the Bedford Western bypass which opened on April 25.

There are up to ten caravans on the site just off the road, named Great Ouse Way, with nearby residents raising concerns over littering.

Paul Reynolds, of Bromham, said: “It didn’t take long for travellers to take advantage did it?

“I first noticed the travellers on Tuesday when I was driving into work. There are quite a number of caravans parked just off the road by one of the roundabouts.

“And already they are leaving their mark as there are piles of rubbish at the gate leading into the field. Who’s going to pick that up?

“As usual clearing up will be at the taxpayers’ expense, never mind all the time and money spent when the authorities get around to taking out an eviction order to turf them off the land.

“They just don’t seem to care, but seem to get away with it every time.

“It’s just beggars belief. The road has only been opened a couple of months.

“What an eyesore. I understand this land is earmarked for housing but that won’t happen for some time so this is an open invitation to travellers to move on when they feel like it.”

The new road was officially opened by the Mayor Dave Hogdson following completion of the £18.6million scheme.

The section of road, which completes the Bedford Western Bypass is designed to ease congestion, reduce delays and connect the A428 at Biddenham with the A6 at Clapham, improving traffic flow.

A police spokesman, said: “We are aware of an encampment at the A428 near Bromham and have dispatched officers to the site to carry out a risk assessment. We will continue to liaise with the local authority and those present at the site to ensure disruption to local residents is kept to a minimum.”